Ed Sheeran’s highly anticipated (and subsequently much-discussed) cameo in Game of Thrones occurred in Season 7, Episode 1, titled “Dragonstone.” He played a Lannister soldier encountered by Arya Stark while she travels the Riverlands. This brief appearance sparked a considerable reaction from fans and critics alike, and continues to be a topic of discussion years after the episode aired.
The Scene: A Serendipitous (or Not So Serendipitous) Encounter
Arya Stark, fresh from her vengeance-fueled Frey family massacre, is traveling south, seeking to enact more retribution. As she camps for the night, she comes across a group of Lannister soldiers gathered around a campfire. Amongst them is Ed Sheeran, playing the role of a singing soldier. He sings a song, seemingly original to the show, that catches Arya’s attention. She joins their campfire, accepts their offer of food and drink, and engages in a brief, relatively friendly conversation before continuing on her journey. The scene is meant to humanize the Lannister soldiers, showcasing that not all of them are inherently evil, a point seemingly lost on many viewers who felt the cameo was jarring and out of place.
The Song
The song Sheeran sings, credited as “Hands of Gold,” actually had its roots in the A Song of Ice and Fire book series. While not directly sung by a Lannister soldier in the books, the melody and lyrics allude to the forbidden love between Tyrion Lannister and Shae. The song’s melancholic tone contrasts with the generally lighthearted atmosphere of the soldier’s campfire, adding an unsettling layer to the scene that some viewers appreciated, while others found it contributed to the awkwardness.
The Backlash and its Impact
The Ed Sheeran cameo was met with considerable criticism, largely focused on its perceived disruptive nature. Many viewers felt that Sheeran’s presence was too recognizable and pulled them out of the immersive experience that Game of Thrones had meticulously crafted. The overwhelming negative reaction even led to Sheeran temporarily deleting his Twitter account, citing online abuse.
Why the Outcry?
Several factors contributed to the backlash. First, Sheeran’s immense popularity as a musician made it difficult for many viewers to see him as anything other than Ed Sheeran, the celebrity, rather than a nameless Lannister soldier. Second, the scene itself was considered by some to be unnecessary and forced, adding little to the overall narrative. Finally, the stark contrast between the gritty realism of Game of Thrones and the feel of a pop star cameo created a jarring dissonance that many found off-putting.
Reflecting on the Cameo Years Later
Despite the initial negative reaction, the Ed Sheeran cameo remains a noteworthy moment in Game of Thrones history. It serves as a reminder of the challenges of integrating celebrity cameos into established fictional worlds and highlights the delicate balance between attracting attention and maintaining narrative integrity. While the cameo may not be remembered fondly by all, it undoubtedly sparked a conversation about the role of celebrity appearances in popular media and the impact they can have on the viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ed Sheeran’s appearance on Game of Thrones:
1. Was Ed Sheeran a fan of Game of Thrones before his cameo?
Yes, Ed Sheeran was a known fan of Game of Thrones. The show’s creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, were aware of his fandom and had been trying to get him on the show for some time, particularly as a surprise for Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), who is also a fan of Sheeran.
2. What was Ed Sheeran’s role in the episode?
Ed Sheeran played a Lannister soldier who sings a song while Arya Stark is traveling through the Riverlands. He offers her food and drink, and they have a brief conversation. His character has no specific name or backstory beyond being a member of the Lannister army.
3. Why did the Game of Thrones creators want Ed Sheeran in the show?
The primary reason was to surprise Maisie Williams, who is a huge Ed Sheeran fan. The creators had been trying to arrange a cameo for him for several seasons.
4. How long was Ed Sheeran on screen?
Ed Sheeran’s on-screen time was relatively brief, lasting only a few minutes. He appears for a single scene where he sings and interacts with Arya Stark.
5. What song did Ed Sheeran sing in Game of Thrones?
He sang a song called “Hands of Gold,” though it’s also known as “Gold Wedding Ring,” which has lyrical connections to the relationship between Tyrion Lannister and Shae in the novels by George R.R. Martin.
6. Was Ed Sheeran’s character killed off in Game of Thrones?
No, Ed Sheeran’s character was not explicitly killed off in the show. After his brief scene with Arya, his fate remains unknown. However, given the high mortality rate of Lannister soldiers in Game of Thrones, it’s highly probable his character perished in a subsequent battle.
7. How did fans react to Ed Sheeran’s Game of Thrones cameo?
The fan reaction was largely negative. Many viewers felt that Sheeran’s appearance was distracting and out of place, breaking the immersion of the show. It became a widely discussed topic online, often with humorous and critical responses.
8. Did the backlash affect Ed Sheeran?
Yes, the negative reaction did affect Ed Sheeran. He reportedly deleted his Twitter account temporarily due to the overwhelming online criticism he received after the episode aired.
9. Would Game of Thrones creators do another cameo like this again?
Considering the widespread criticism, it is unlikely the Game of Thrones creators would attempt a similar high-profile cameo again. The experience highlighted the potential pitfalls of celebrity appearances and their impact on the audience’s engagement with the story.
10. What other celebrities have appeared on Game of Thrones?
While Ed Sheeran’s cameo was particularly prominent, several other musicians and celebrities have made appearances on Game of Thrones, often in less conspicuous roles. These include members of bands such as Coldplay, Mastodon, and Sigur Rós. These appearances were generally less controversial, perhaps due to their lower profiles or the brevity of their roles.
11. Did the cameo change the story in any way?
No, Ed Sheeran’s cameo did not significantly alter the overall narrative of Game of Thrones. His character’s appearance was a brief, isolated scene that served primarily as a diversion for Arya Stark and a moment of fan service, though not necessarily appreciated by all.
12. Where can I watch Ed Sheeran’s cameo in Game of Thrones?
You can watch the episode, “Dragonstone,” in Season 7 of Game of Thrones on streaming platforms like HBO Max (now Max) or through other digital retailers where the series is available for purchase or rental. Specific scenes can often be found on platforms like YouTube, though potentially unofficially.